1. Anatomical Language Directional Terms & Body Planes

2. Anatomical terminology is used to eliminate misunderstandings.
Terms describe:
The direction of a body structure in relation to another.
The planes or cuts that divide the body.
The cavities that house structures.
The region of the body that a part can be located in.

3. Anatomical Position The anatomical position is a reference point.
It gives meaning to the directional terms used to describe the body parts and regions.
In this reference position:
The body is erect and faced forward
The arms are at the sides, palms forward
The head and feet point forward

4. Quick Check Stand up and assume the anatomical position.
Notice that your palms are held at unnaturally forward as opposed to hanging cupped towards the thighs.

5. Directional Terms Superior (cranial) Inferior (caudal)
Towards the upper part of the body or (head end) of an animal
Inferior (caudal)
Towards the lower part of the body or (tail end) of an animal

6. Anterior Towards the front of the body; in front of.
Directional Terms
Anterior Towards the front of the body; in front of.
Example: Structure Y is anterior
to structure Z.
Posterior Towards the backside of the body; behind
Example: Structure Y is posterior

7. Directional Terms Medial Lateral
Toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side
Lateral
Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of

8. Directional Terms Proximal Distal
Closer to the body, used when describing a structure on the limbs
Distal
Farther away from the body, used when describing a structure on the limbs

9. Superficial (external)
Directional Terms
Superficial (external)
Toward or at the body surface
Deep (internal)
Away from the body surface; more internal

10. Body Plane Sagittal plane Mid-sagittal plane
A cut that separates the body into left and right parts
Mid-sagittal plane
A cut that is made down the midline; it divides the body into equal-sized left and right parts

11. Frontal (coronal) plane
Body Planes
Frontal (coronal) plane
A cut that divides the body (or an organ) into anterior and posterior parts
Transverse plane
A cut that divides the body or an organ into superior and inferior parts

12. End of Directional Terms and Body Planes
Use the materials provided to create statements utilizing the directional terms.
These statements should use the terms to compare external structures.
Participate in a Gallery Walk.